Sheriff's Deputy Arrested for Dog Fighting

Henrico County Police arrested a Richmond Sheriff's Office deputy Thursday night, charging him with multiple counts related to animal cruelty. The charges stem from an alleged dog fighting ring possibly staged from the deputy's home in the Varina district.

David William Robinson was arrested and charged with torture and promotion or engagement in animal fighting. He was scheduled for arraignment April 17.

Henrico police received a call Thursday shortly after 12:30 p.m. to a home at 6457 Miller Road. The call initially came in as a call about two dogs fighting, according to sources, but when they arrived officers found more than 20 dogs -- many injured or malnourished -- and equipment often associated with illegal dog fighting. The dogs were pit bull mixes, sources say.

After Robinson informed police that he was a Richmond sheriff's deputy, sources say, internal affairs officers from the Richmond Sheriff's Office were called to the scene.

Last night, according to sources, Robinson was being held without bond and in protective custody in Henrico for fear that he may harm himself. After a morning court hearing, he was released on $2,000 bond.

The Richmond Sheriff's Office human resources department confirms that Robinson is a sworn deputy with a rank of corporal and has been with the department since March 2003.